Just Not Australian — Museum of Sydney

Overview

Just Not Australian is an exhibition bringing together the work of 19 Australian artists — of varying ages, cultural backgrounds and mediums — to creatively challenge the concept of Australian nationhood. It's been on tour around the country and has just arrived at its final stop in the Museum of Sydney.

From Saturday, March 11, till Sunday, June 4, Just Not Australian will question what is meant by the term 'un-Australian', using insights from a multitude of cultural lenses. It's an adjective that's been sharpened into a vocal weapon by both sides of an endless political duel, but the free entry CBD gallery aims to blunt that weapon and break it back down into words.

Liam Benson, 'Participatory community embroidery, You and Me'

Expect to ponder subjects of race, place and belonging in Australia through paintings, sculptures and other immersive works. No component of the Australian national identity is in the safe zone here — larrikin humour, mateship, multiculturalism (or lack thereof) and colonial biases are all fair game.

Curated by Artspace and developed in partnership with Sydney Festival and Museums and Galleries of NSW, the nationally-touring exhibit features works by Abdul Abdullah, Hoda Afshar, Tony Albert, Cigdem Aydemir, Liam Benson, Eric Bridgeman, Jon Campbell, Karla Dickens, Fiona Foley, Gordon Hookey, Richard Lewer, Archie Moore, Vincent Namatjira, Nell, Raquel Ormella, Ryan Presley, Joan Ross, Tony Schwensen and Soda Jerk.

For more information and to plan your visit, head to the website.

Top image: Top image: ©️ James Horan for Museums of History NSW (first), Hoda Afshar, 'Dog's Breakfast (second).